Adult Volunteer Leader Development

International Night- County 4-H Home Economist organized and present a food safety workshop for adult volunteers participating in Internaitonal Night. 5 clubs were in attendance. As a result leaders learned about food borne illness, how they are caused, and how to avoid them. They also learned how to safely prepare and transport food.

Leader Screening- County 4-H home Economist work with secretaries to prepare and distribute leader screening packets and approval leaders. 117 adult volunteer leaders were screened this year.

The County Agent and Extension Program Assistant updated and compiled an Organizational Leader's notebook binder wherein a variety of 4-H Club and project information was included for each organizational leader to refer to. A meeting was called and 11 volunteer leaders attended this training where the compilation of material was reviewed and discussed. Items covered included the implemenation of club rules in order to attain consistency in club programs, project updates and new curriculums, school enrichment programs, communication and how to work with and teach young members. The program was well received and response was very favorable and deemed necessary for all volunteers.

Additionally, a program on how to spot and report potential child abuse was presented by a representative of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department. This program stimulated a healthy discussion on a topic which most adults would rather avoid. The program evaluation showed positive feedback on this program and how necessary it was to address the topic head on.

In response to the training and presentation, all participants were asked to provide feedback on the program. All agreed by concesus that the program was beneficial to them in their roles as volunteers in the 4-H Program and the information given them would give them tools to improve their tasks within the club. Additionally, they requested that more training sessions of this type be provided in order for them to grow in their positions as volunteers.

Reynaldo Torres has signed on to support Adult Volunteer Leader Development within Taos County.

Tammy McVaugh has signed on to support Adult Volunteer Leader Development within Doña Ana County.